The Tasmanian rock lobster fishing industry has been managed by the Tasmanian Government for over 100 years and has been an important component of Tasmania’s fishing industry for over 150 years. The fishery is based on the harvest of wild stocks of the rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii). The commercial fishery is estimated to directly employ about 700 people and is important for the economies of coastal communities in Tasmania.

The value of rock lobster production in 2001-02 was $64.7m, based on a catch of 1,522 tonnes.

ROCK LOBSTER FISHERY, Tasmania

Weight

Value of production

Years

tonnes

$m

1997-98

1,465

45.6

1998-99

1,353

39.9

1999-2000

1,482

48.9

2000-01

r 1,518

r 55.6

2001-02

1,522

64.7

r revised figuresSource: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.